Mercer County One-Stop Career Center – Trenton, NJ

Overview of the Career Center

The Mercer County One-Stop Career Center is a comprehensive workforce development facility located in Trenton, New Jersey. Operating as a partnership between Mercer County and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, this center serves as the primary hub for job seekers and employers in the region. Its mission is to connect qualified talent with business needs while providing individuals with the tools necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Located at 26 Yard Avenue within the Station Plaza complex, the center is strategically positioned across from the Trenton Transit Center, ensuring high accessibility for residents. The One-Stop system operates under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), offering a wide array of employment and training services at no cost to the public. It serves as a critical resource for unemployed workers, dislocated employees, veterans, youth, and individuals looking to upgrade their skills in a competitive job market.

Services for Job Seekers

The center provides a multi-faceted approach to employment assistance. The Resource Room offers free access to computers, internet, telephones, and fax machines for job search activities.

• Career Counseling: Professional counselors assist individuals in assessing their skills, identifying career goals, and developing an Individual Employment Plan (IEP).
• Training Grants: Eligible participants may qualify for tuition assistance to attend approved training programs in high-demand industries through WIOA funding.
• Workshops: Regular sessions are held on resume writing, interview techniques, networking strategies, and digital literacy.
• Veterans Services: Dedicated staff provide priority service to veterans and eligible spouses, helping translate military skills to civilian careers.

Employer Services

Beyond assisting job seekers, the One-Stop Career Center actively supports the local business community. The Business Resource Team offers recruitment assistance, pre-screening of candidates, and information on hiring incentives and tax credits. They also coordinate on-the-job training (OJT) contracts, which can reimburse employers for a portion of a new hire’s wages during the training period. This symbiotic relationship ensures that training programs align with actual market demands.

Location and Access

The facility is housed in the Station Plaza 4 building at 26 Yard Avenue. Security protocols are strictly enforced; visitors must present valid identification and pass through security screening, including metal detectors, upon entering the building. Due to the high volume of visitors, particularly for unemployment insurance re-employment services, appointments are strongly recommended for one-on-one counseling, though the resource room is generally open for walk-in use during business hours.